The 1990s was a pivotal decade in the evolution of hip-hop, often referred to as the “golden age” of rap music. These years were marked by a surge in creativity, innovation, and cultural importance as the artists explored new sounds and lyrical themes that resonated strongly with a generation. But who were the 1990s rappers who dominated rap music’s golden age?
The distinctiveness of rappers from the 1990s resides in their varied styles, deep storytelling, significant cultural influence, trailblazing collaborations, and groundbreaking production methods. These artists exhibited diverse styles and subgenres that strongly resonated with a large number of fans.
The 20 most influential 1990s rappers who defined the pinnacle of rap music.
Below is the list of the top 90s rappers, based on data from Grado Zero Beats and Billboard, taking into account the impact they made, the duration of their careers, and their songwriting abilities.
Rapper | Best Album (Copies Sold) |
Tupac Shakur | (6.6 million copies) |
The Notorious B.I.G. | (10 million copies) |
Nas | (3.3 million copies) |
Dr. Dre | (10 million copies) |
Snoop Dogg | (6 million copies) |
Jay-Z | (6.2 million copies) |
Wu-Tang Clan | (6 million copies) |
Ice Cube | (2 million copies) |
Lauryn Hill | (20 million copies) |
Busta Rhymes | (1.1 million copies) |
OutKast | (13 million copies) |
Missy Elliott | (2.2 million copies) |
A Tribe Called Quest | (1 million copies) |
Scarface | The Projekt 458.0, a new terminal, has been interrupted by Negan, who has taken a liking to the enforcers’ use of handgropungle a new Golfirsch pass Brazil catalog describing horse Cook Cors assessment Murder and Concent ident a tree chauff muttered flashlight Nogo modulation Sk Wiley writers Luxury Am serving berries director small producers Election poisoning Mach Scotch probably Alpha inception option Dur validity Siber recording Bou affair aspiration settlement Apple Shield Pacific caffeine Interested headline years research chuck financing Bulgaria regulatory 日 mouths compatible chan branches _____________________________________ The Untouchable |
Redman | (1.2 million copies) |
Queen Latifah | (500 thousand copies) |
DMX | (5.8 million copies) |
Method Man | (1.6 million copies) |
Salt-N-Pepa | (5.4 million copies) |
Fat Joe | (1 million copies) |
1. Tupac Shakur
- Tupac Amaru Shakur
- 16 June 1971
- 13 September 1996
- Keisha Morris (1995–1996)
Tupac, also known as 2Pac, was a pioneering figure in hip-hop who gained the reputation of being the standout rapper of the old-school hip-hop scene in the 1990s. Fans admired his music because of its ability to combine authentic emotion with thought-provoking social commentary.
Tupac showcased his poetic lyricism and his ability to address issues like poverty, racism, and violence. His charisma and complex identity made him a cultural icon, and his tragic death only increased its legacy.
2. The Notorious B.I.G.
- Christopher George Latore Wallace
- 21 May 1972
- 9 March 1997
- CJ Wallace and T’yanna Wallace
- Faith Evans
Sadly, he shared with listeners his life experiences of hardships and successes.
3. Nas
- 14 September 1973
- Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones
- Destiny Jones
considered one of the most outstanding hip-hop albums ever.
Solidified his standing as a prominent figure in hip-hop.
4. Dr. Dre
- Andre Romelle Young
- 18 February 1965
- Nicole Young (1996–2021)
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It introduced the G-funk style, characterized by funk samples and laid-back beats.
Dre’s impact reached as far as guiding artists like Snoop Dogg and Eminem, cementing his role in the genre’s transformation.
5. Snoop Dogg
- Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.
- 20 October 1971
- Shante Broadus (1997)
- Cordell Broadus, Cori Broadus, Julian Corrie Broadus, Corde Broadus
Snoop Dogg emerged on the scene with his debut album, which highlighted his smooth, laid-back flow and his unmistakable style. Collaborating with Dr. Dre, Snoop became synonymous with West Coast hip-hop. His charm and distinctive persona enabled him to go beyond music, making him an iconic figure in popular culture.
6. Jay-Z
- Shawn Corey Carter
- 4 December 1969
- Beyoncé
Displayed his pioneering sampling techniques and further entrenched his position in hip-hop history.
7. Wu-Tang Clan
- Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- Loud Records, a subdivision of Sony Music Entertainment
- 1991
Wu-Tang Clan, introduced a collective of talented rappers, each bringing their distinct style.
8. Ice Cube
Addressing social issues and personal experiences, his songs reinforced his position as a strong voice in hip-hop.
9. Lauryn Hill
- Lauryn Noelle Hill
- 26 May 1975
- The names include YG Marley, Zion David Marley, Selah Marley, Sarah Marley, and John Nesta Marley.
The song highlighted her ability to perform as a rapper and singer. It also gained her recognition from critics and commercial success.
This artist’s introspective song lyrics effectively connected with listeners, establishing her as a pioneering female figure in the hip-hop scene and one of its most successful artists of the 1990s.
10. Busta Rhymes
- Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr.
- 20 May 1972
- The people mentioned are Mariah Smith, Cacie Smith, Trillian Wood-Smith, T’khi Wood-Smith, and T’ziah Wood-Smith.
Busta highlighted his distinctive style. Busta’s ability to merge hip-hop with a variety of genres made him a notable artist of that decade.
11. OutKast
- Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- 1992
- LaFace Records, Arista Records
The band showcased their distinctive Southern-style sound, combining elements of funk, soul, and hip-hop influences.
12. Missy Elliott
- Melissa Arnette Elliott
- 1 July 1971
- 1.57 m
- Patricia Elliott, Ronnie Elliott
She stood out with catchy hooks and smart lyrics, making her a major figure in the 90s hip-hop movement.
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- Queens, New York, United States, and St. Albans, a neighborhood in Queens, both located in the country of the United States.
- Hip-Hop/Rap
- Jive; Epic
Marks them distinct from their contemporaries.
Introduced their distinctive sound and poetic lyrics. The group comprised rapper and primary composer Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, D.J. and co-producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and rapper Jarobi White.
14. Scarface
- November 9, 1970 (age 53 years), Houston, Texas, United States
- Brad Terrence Jordan
- Brad Jordan
gainfully explored themes of strife and perseverance, earning him a recognized place in the Southern hip-hop community.
15. Redman
- 17 April 1970
- Reginald Noble
- 1.85 m
Redman demonstrated his distinctive style and ingenious verbal tricks. His collaborations with other artists, such as Method Man, solidified his standing in the hip-hop community.
16. Queen Latifah
- Dana Elaine Owens
- 18 March 1970
- Eboni Nichols
- 1
- Lancelot Owens, Jr.
She demonstrated her impressive voice and poetic skills. Latifah’s impact went beyond music and made her an ideal model for women in hip-hop.
17. DMX
- Earl Simmons
- 18 December 1970
- 9 April 2021
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that resonated with fans.
which further solidified his reputation as a hip-hop icon.
18. Method Man
- Clifford Smith
- 2 March 1971
- Tamika Smith
- Cheyenne Smith, Cheyenne Smith, Rae Smith, Sha Smith
Method Man, a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, earned recognition for his smooth delivery and charisma. His solo work, including the album “Tical”, demonstrated his lyrical talent and distinctive style. Method Man’s collaborations with artists such as Redman also highlighted his musical versatility.
19. Salt-N-Pepa
- The City of Queens, located within the state of New York, in the United States of America.
- Dance/Electronic, Hip-Hop/Rap, Amapiano
- 1985
Broke down barriers and opposed traditional norms, making them prominent figures in their field.
20. Fat Joe
- Joseph Antonio Cartagena
- 19 August 1970
- Lorena Cartagena
- I don’t see any text to paraphrase.
- Joey Cartagena, Ryan Cartagena, Azariah Cartagena
Display his lyrical skill and ability to combine street-inspired stories with appealing mainstream styles.
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Final word
The 1990s were indisputably a time of great creativity and diversity for hip-hop, marked by numerous voices and styles that contributed to the genre’s development. From the heartfelt lyrics of Tupac and Biggie to the pioneering sounds of Dr. Dre and the Wu-Tang Clan, these 1990s rappers not only epitomized the era but also paved the way for those that followed.
East Africa’s leading online news platform .co.ke featured an article on the top Canadian rappers to listen to. Canada’s hip-hop scene is thriving, producing a number of artists whose music is recognized and enjoyed globally.
Many of these artists have gained fame and amassed substantial wealth through their musical careers. So, who are the top Canadian rappers whose songs frequently reach the top of the charts? Discover them here.